The Ransom

The army of Louis IX was also attacked and defeated on the way to Al Mansurah. Instead of withdrawing back to Damietta Louis IX besieged Al Mansurah. This was a major tactical mistake and ended in starvation and death for many Crusaders.

When Louis IX finally tried to return to Damietta in April 1250 his army was attacked at Fariskur. Louis IX and many of his high ranking Knights were taken prisoner.

In May 1950 a ransom was agreed up on - 800,000 Bezants. Included in the terms was the surrender of Damietta and a ten year ceasefire. Louis IX was to stay in Egypt until half of the ransom was paid. With help from the Knights Templar 400,000 Bezants were raised in two days. Some 12,000 prisoners, would stay in Egypt until the remaining balance was paid.